VASSALBORO, Maine — No ethical breaches of conduct.
That was the finding announced Thursday after an inquiry into how Penobscot County Sheriff Glenn Ross interacted with the Rev. Robert Carlson before Carlson’s suicide.
The Maine Sheriffs’ Association, responding to charges of ethical misconduct made by Washington County Sheriff Donnie Smith, last week convened a three-member board of inquiry to look into the professional propriety of Ross’ conduct when he informed Carlson that he was the subject of a criminal investigation. Ross is the president of the association, and Smith called for his dismissal or resignation.
“When we received Sheriff Smith’s e-mail expressing his concerns, we did everything we felt we were duty-bound to do in terms of addressing his concerns,” Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty, the first vice president of the Maine Sheriffs’ Association, said Thursday afternoon. “The executive board met [Wednesday], and were presented with the findings of the inquiry, and we concurred that there was no ethical breach of conduct.”
The three-member board of inquiry included Sheriff Bill Clark of Hancock County, Sheriff Donna Dennison of Knox County and Sheriff Kevin Joyce of Cumberland County.
The board’s findings as reported to the association’s executive board were summarized by this statement: “It is the opinion of the Maine Sheriffs’ Association’s Board of Inquiry that Penobscot County Sheriff Glenn Ross committed no ethical breach of conduct by informing Robert Carlson of the letter being disseminated about his sexual conduct and the State Police investigation. Thus we recommend that Sheriff Glenn Ross remain as the Association’s President.”
Sheriff Smith resigned from the association earlier this week, citing his concerns about Ross’ interactions with Carlson, who was the subject of a sexual abuse investigation by the Maine State Police. Liberty said that resignation has been accepted.
In formally acknowledging Smith’s resignation, the sheriffs’ association told Smith in a letter that his concerns about Ross’ conduct were based on “a partial or speculative presentation of the facts.”
“We note your public commentary and dissatisfaction with the sheriff of Penobscot County, the state legislative delegation of Washington County, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the State Board of Corrections and the current Commissioner of Public Safety,” the letter reads in part.
“We acknowledge and defend the constitutional right of elected sheriffs to comment on issues of community concern, including the qualifications, integrity and job performance of other public officials. However, the MSA also values and enjoys the confidence of the citizens of Maine. To preserve that professional integrity, the MSA must assure [sic] that the responsibility and good faith exercise of its collective judgment, regarding the conduct of a member or any other elected or appointed official, not be based on a partial or speculative presentation of the facts.”
In reacting to the association’s comments Thursday, Smith said, “What does that mean, that he’s good and I’m bad?”
He later issued a press release stating, “I disagree with the MSA and do believe Sheriff Ross acted inappropriately. Quite frankly, I am deeply concerned that MSA investigated me because I questioned Sheriff Ross’s actions. I can deal with that as it is part of my job.”
He chastised the association for being “more concerned with protecting it’s president than recognizing and admitting that Sheriff Ross’s conduct was inappropriate. My real concern is now, and always has been the victims and the citizens trust in law enforcement.”
In a separate phone interview, Smith added that he considers the annual dues for what is now a 15-member organization “$500 I could have spent somewhere else.”
While I think Sheriff Smith is a loose cannon who likes to hear himself talk, Sheriff Ross should not have told Carlson about the nature of the investigation. Ross is responsible for Carlson’s suicide that day and he will have to live with that. I am extremely disappointed that the Sheriff’s Association did not hold Ross accountable.
The only person responsible for Carlson’s suicide is Carlson. He chose to commit suicide. I don’t think Ross should have told Carlson. He could have kept him out of the jail without telling him. He did not, however, make Carlson jump.
He didn’t push him off the bridge but he sure set the wheels in motion…
THISTHISTHISTHIS
Carlson set the wheels in motion by fabricating his credentials, using those fabricated credentials to get on the inside of law enforcement and positions of great public stature, all while abusing at least one boy, then apparently cheating on his wife by continuing to have a sexual relationship with the boy when the boy became a man.
Ross was right: Carlson would have killed himself anyway. That’s because Carlson killed himself to avoid the inevitable.
Carson killed himself because he is guilty, Ross warned him because he knew he was guilty. remember they were best of friends. nuff said, ross needs to go. he has lost the puplics trust.
good
anyone in stste service that would have done this would have been taken to the clearners for telling him…this is a grand scale inside job and good ole boiys club
Talk about a good ole boys club how about the trooper that just walked away from an oui. Seems like you people are above the law and this kind of proves it.
I hope your not just figuring that one out.
Sorry you have such little faith in our law enforcement. They are there to serve us..and I think they do a good job..including the sheriffs..
You think this is a good job? what world do you live in? He was helping a child molester. GREAT JOB, WAY TO GO.
Maybe you can explain just what sort of “help” Ross advising Carlson that he was under investigation was? What effect on the investigation was there? Could it possible have changed anything regarding the outcome of the investigation?
No, it’s not like telling someone where the “next roadblock is”. It’s like telling someone on their way to jail, “You got caught in a roadblock.” Many agencies have collective bargaining agreements in place that require officers to be advised when they’re under investigation. Certainly, when someone’s employment situation is going to change they would have to be advised as to the nature of the changes and the reasons.
What would you do if you went to work and they told you go away, and don’t come back, and we’re not telling you why?
Well I guess its how you look at it…I do not think he was helping a child molester..and think of all the money this state saved prosecuting the swine~
There are several links in that chain of causation.
The wheels were set in motion by CARLSON when he chose to sexually molest a child.
I agree- hindsight being 20/20 Sheriff Ross could certainly have handled things differently but I am convinced that Bob Carlson would have committed suicide regardless of how he found out about the investigation. If people are that unhappy with Ross’s actions the appropriate thing to do is vote him out of office. Frankly, I’m tired ot hearing about this and will be happy to see it disappear from the BDN.
mmmm….blaming his suicide on anyone but Carlson removes Carlson’s *personal responsibility.” He made choices from the first act until his last. There’s a lack if personal responsibility these days. It’s easier to blame someone else rather than take responsibility for our (collectively) own actions.
no he did not,but if you think it is ok for him to tell his “buddy” you are as wrong as he is.
I supose you think it’s ok for him to let some other “friend” now where the next road block is huh?
Having an internal ivestigation of one of there own never works…..this is a clear reason why.
The “style police” should write him up for those 1980s glasses frames.
C’mon sheriff, Get with the times and upgrade.
I agree completely. What a joke the Sheriff’s Association “inquiry” board is!! Talk about covering for your own!!
So, listen here all you law enforcement officers around the state, you now have been given the right to use your own judgement, however bad it may be, and tell all those being investigated that they are being investigated. So if you have a friend who is being investigated for dealing drugs, go ahead and let him know so he can destroy the evidence. If you know someone who is being investigated for a homicide, by all means let them know so that they can take off or maybe even take a few hostages while waiting to be picked up.
What a bunch of short-sighted idiots! Do they realize the “pandora’s box” that they have just opened with this stupid decision. After this decision, there is now no trust between the sheriff’s department and the citizens of this state, not to mention the State Police.
All those “conspiracy theorists” who have always believed that this sort of “covering for your own” behavior was common-place, but never could prove it, now have the proof courtesy of the sheriff’s association itself.
What a great example for a defense attorney to use when trying to defend a client in court. The sheriff’s department has NO credibility with the public anymore. Here is your “reasonable doubt”, folks. I am quite certain that the State Police have a lot of doubt about Ross’ integrity–doubt that is quite reasonable, in my opinion. If I were on a jury and Ross was testifying for the prosecution, I would now have doubts about his testimony.
Nice move. You just set law enforcement back 100 years.
Democracy: the process by which people in power get to choose the man who’ll get the blame.
Sheriff Ross will have to live with the thought of whether Carlson would still be alive today if he had not spoken to him. The Maine Sheriff’s Association is a not a government group. It has it’s own rules, by laws etc. They have the same right to decide if one of their members violated a rule as any other private group like the Kiwanis, Boosters, Shriners, etc. None of these groups would be expected to have an outside agency come in and tell them how their groups runs. Every Sheriff can join and pay his or her dues or not. No law requires them to join, no law set this group up. It is a private group that can do as it wants. If Sheriff Smith wants another 15 minutes in front of the news cameras, he can feel free to quit and sulk rather then remaining a voting member that could change things from the inside. It seems that Sheriff Smith got tired of trying to take on MDEA so now he is going after the Sheriff’s Association. I would be willing to bet that the Sheriff’s Association will get along just fine without Smith.
Now the AG’s Office is the investigating agency that will see if a law was violated and if so they can bring charges in court. Just remember, what Carlson was accused of was a crime that had gone beyond the Statute of Limitations and Carlson could not have been charged with that crime. Hard to hinder prosecution of a crime he could not be charged with. If something else came up that he could be charged with Ross did not have that information to pass on.
Could he have handled it better, yes he could. Did he break a law, none that has been discovered. Should all the years of service and good things the sheriff has done be forgotten, no. Can he learn from his mistake, yes he can. Let the first person who has never made a bad decision come forward and tell us what he should do.
Not only that, but how many places did that letter go? It’s not like it was a secret to any of the organizations that Carlson was affiliated with. Does anyone think he wouldn’t have found out about the letter before the MSP investigated him, regardless if it was Ross that told him?
Several organizations received the letter. Apparently none of those organizations felt the need to let Carlson know he was under investigation. So perhaps there is a chance he wouldn’t have found out prior to an interview with the MSP, but for Ross telling him.
He only worked for, actively, the Sheriff’s office and in the correctional facility. No other entity would have any reason to tell him anything until they contacted him to meet for questioning. At that point, because they were conducting a criminal investigation, they would have to inform him of his right to remain silent, and to retain the services of an attorney.
I have read dozens of comments today denigrating the Sheriff and complaining of some “good old boys’ club” regarding his informing Bob of the charges. I have yet to see anyone enunciate clearly what exact “advantage” the information provided Bob Carlson. How could it have changed the course of the investigation? The ultimate outcome? It’s my understanding now that information has surfaced that many people were deceived. I feel especially terrible for his wife, as she did nothing to deserve any of this.
My take would be that the “advantage” was that Carlson was afforded an opportunity to choose between being investigated or not. None of us can definitively say what the course of the investigation or the ultimate outcome would have been if Carlson had not been informed prior to the MSP having an opportunity to talk with him. Many people have been deceived and I’m sure hundreds feel betrayed. However, the thought that a law enforcement officer could be so fully duped by a very close friend of many years is disconcerting. It’s frightening to think that someone who is trained to investigate and detect could be so taken in as to never have that niggling intuition that something about someone just wasn’t quite right. It’s scary how blind one person can be and how manipulative another.
So, MSP would have contacted Bob and he’d have likely agreed to talk to them, not knowing what it was about. Once they advised him of his rights, and began to question him, he’d have asked for an attorney and ended the questioning. Then he’d have gone and jumped off the bridge.
End result? The same.
No advantage.
You cannot predict what would have happened if the MSP had questioned Carlson. Your scenario is one possibility but there are myriad others. Perhaps after sitting through an interview Carlson might have thought things through a bit more and chosen a different option. You just cannot with any degree of certainty say what would have been the end result. Even if your scenario is the one that played out, perhaps the MSP interview would’ve provided information that would aid in bringing closure to this.
I’d say Bob had all kinds of time to think about what he’d do if this came out, since it happened almost 3 decades ago. And if you think he didn’t, I can get the title to the bridge he jumped off and sell it to you.
The interview would have provided the information that Bob knew the legal system and wanted a lawyer.
Methinks Smith doeth protest too much…
What’s his history with Richardson?
who cares about the coward Carlson. It’s about the victim of his abuse getting justice and closure. All of which, Ross and Carlson denied him. And, just wait, there is more than one victim. Never just one.
Why is Smith and loose cannon. Because he backed the DEA in a corner. He made some of the Sheriff be accoutable for there actions. That makes him BADD
I agree, but the PEOPLE OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY need to remember this come RE-ELECTION TIME!!! Hopefully someone good runs against Ross!
While I do not condone Ross’s actions…(anyone else would have been charged with obstructing governmental administration) I do not believe he was responsible for Carlsons actions. The blame for committing suicide and the choice he made to have sexual relations with a child were all Carlsons to own. No one else. He was a pedophile and a fraud. The only person on this whole mess who deserves any compassion are Carlsons child victim and his poor wife.
and ross should be sitting in one of his jail cells. If it were you that spilled the beans to carlson you would be. count on it.
You must be disappointed with the whole of Washington DC for the people in this country for not making Congress and Senate accountable for all the games and lies they tell us everyday. They all should be fired
Gee what a surprise. Could this commission determine if the ocean is in fact wet?
No Surprise Here…
Bahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahh
Is ANYONE shocked by the “Sheriff’s Inquiry’ findings about the ‘Sheriff’ ?? Yeah me either. That’s like the CPA embezzler who got caught and having the CPA office that the embezzler worked at- complete the investigation…..REALLY???
Bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahaha
No different than the U.S. House Ethics Committee investigating a fellow House Member. As the Maine Sheriff’s Association is a private group who would you have wanted to see investigate the matter on their behalf.
Any outside agency NOT affiliated with the Sheriff’s department and do I think it’s ok for the house ethics committee to investigate a house member no I don’t. Conflict of interest much??
Ross is no deputy dog anyway. He just rose thru the ranks as a senior law official and thats all. He never really had that good of Law Inforcement back ground. He always talked a good game but thats all. Take care of youre own is the theme here.
Just as everyone expected the outcome to be….Really??????
Of course. Just like Billy cleared that punk deputy for criminal speeding in the county cruiser and wrapping it around a tree. No surprise here.
Coverup and corruption. Pick a badge number.
Not surprising that the cops would protect one of their own. To the rest of us, tipping off his friend was clearly the wrong thing for Sheriff Ross to do.
-elected- cops, you mean, right? Politicians in uniforms. I never thought of Ross like that, but this was a boneheaded move and they should know better than to sweep it under the rug so fast like this. The state investigation could yet come out with a damning opinion in the other direction.
Well Donnie, tough luck this time. Let me check my score card….rage against MDEA=no traction, rage against Sheriff Ross=no traction, rage against Bill Stokes=no traction, rage against Sheriff’s Association=no traction. What is going to be your next cause? The people of Washington County have a loud-mouthed, marginalized sheriff in their midst who is apparently viewed by his own peers as a fruit cake…Good reading though, keep it up!
Not sure about Donnie as I don’t know him but Ross was wrong, with or without “Donnie.”
Good one :)
I agree, while I’m not saying whether Ross was right or wrong, it seems all the commenters here are ignoring the article content, which indicates there is more information that Donnie was not considering, so chances are we don’t know that information either, but as I said, I’m not making a judgement about Ross either way. What I will say, is that Donnie Smith has spent his time as Sheriff slamming every other agency he can think of, and it never goes anywhere, not because people are protecting others, but because it is unfounded.
Sheriff Donnie Smith is a political Independent. Methinks there’s still some resentment he won election. Oh, yes, and resentment by the deadwood he got rid of.
Don’t shoot the messenger.
Ready, fire, aim is not the best approach for the top guy in any sheriff’s office.
Is it any wonder why there is absolutely NO respect for law enforcemrent or government in this state??
Now this after hearing that the Maine Turnpike Authority thug will still be eligible for a state pension if and when he is incarcerated.
MST convicted of OUI! Result…Demotion and short suspension. Is this really enough for someone sworn and compensated to up hold the laws of this state?
Who works for who here?
For clarification, Violette from the Turnpike Authority is not a law enforcement officer, so the comparison doesn’t work. Also, yes, the Trooper will be demoted, which will of course result in a reduction in pay, and will be suspended, also a loss of pay. He will also be fined by the court and have his driver’s license suspended, just like anyone else…..oh, except that if it was you or anyone else, you wouldn’t face demotion or suspension.
HE’S A COP GUILTY OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, DAN!! HOW IS HE GOING TO HAVE ANY CREDIBILITY WITH THE COURTS WHEN HE ARRESTS SOMEONE ELSE FOR OUI? THE STANDARD OF CONDUCT IN THAT POSITION HAS TO BE HIGHER THAN IN OTHER NON-LAW ENFORCEMENT POSITIONS! HENRIETTA’S POINT IS THAT, AGAIN, IN THE VIOLETTE SITUATION, THIS IS A CASE OF ONE SET OF STANDARDS FOR US, AND A DIFFERENT SET OF STANDARDS FOR THOSE IN POWER. HE STOLE NEARLY A HALF MILLION DOLLARS AND HE WILL STILL BE GETTING MONEY FROM US WHILE IN JAIL. IT’S RIDICULOUS!!!!
These guys just continue to make good cops look bad.
Interesting headline.
Should read:
“Sheriff’s Inquiry Clears Sheriff”
Please stop calling him Rev. Carlson.
Ok Rev Carlson
no surprise here !
Looks like the good ole boys circled the wagons to protect one of their own. Ross breached the confidentiality of an investigation by another agency BECAUSE HIS OLD BUDDY WAS THE PERP. So if you want to get away with whatever you like, just buddy up to the Sheriff. Donuts are always a good start.
Makes you wonder why the officer that wrapped the patrol car around the tree while speeding was let off???
I suspect if the average “evil, corrupt, donut eating” cop were asked, they would not agree with the choice Ross made when he picked up the phone. As far the comments about the old boy network protecting its own, questions of ethics, thin blue line (or brown as someone noted)…….am I alone in believing that this behavior of circling the wagons and behind closed door is human nature and not monopolized by law enforcement? I would consider the duplication of University services at the Systems Office at the cost of Maine students to be an example, as well as the upper ranks of UMaine, EMHS, EMMC, PCHC, the State of Maine, the Department of Education-anytime a group of people are comfortable with the perceived status they have achieved, pay, and benefits, they are inclined to protect their position and those who support them. If you want to file a medical malpractice claim in Maine, I believe it is reviewed by a panel of professional peers (other doctors). I would suspect it is no different for lawyers. This should be about Ross putting friendship above the professional courtesy of a colleague and most importantly, the opportunity for the investigating officers to do their job.
And how shocking is that, of course he is not guilty of anything. Lmao
Ross is a joke; like those that ‘cleared’ him!
No comment; knew the results.
I had several contacts with Sheriff Ross when he was a deputy and I was an agency administrator. He took considerable pride in his work then and I believe he continued this pride as a Sheriff. His pride in law enforcement would never allow him to violate that trust.
I guess another one gets away with hindering the prosecution of another. Sheriff Glen Ross should have been asked to step down and leave the sheriff’s department. I was turned down by Sheriff Ross for the police academy for a 60.00 bounced check. I had to go over his head to get in. But he can hinder the prosecution of a child molester and stay in as head of the department and head of the association. Where is the justice in this world.
He should be required to resign but that will not happen.
No because they are going to protect him. That is sad when it comes down someone like him getting away with what he did. I wonder how many victims will not report anymore because of this and who else he will protect.
that is why god created the hacks on the Bangor County Commissioners.
It’s not their son or husband that was killed,eh?
Interesting should you expand on that?
Expand on god?
Expand on behaviour being driven by how close you are to the victim?
Expand on the statistics 1 in three people who work in law enforcement
are sex offenders?
http://sexoffenderissues.blogspot.com/2010/02/copwatchcom-documenting-many-sex.html
http://feministing.com/2011/08/23/another-nypd-rape-cop-arrested/
see cop blames 9 year old for having sex with him
February 22, 2007
http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2007/022007/02232007/262383
SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. A F.B.I. analyst has been sentenced to seven years in prison for having sex with a young girl in Spotsylvania County.
Forty-four-year-old Anthony John Lesko entered an Alford plea yesterday in Spotsylvania County Circuit Court to nine counts of felony indecent liberties upon a child. An Alford plea means Lesko doesn’t admit guilt but believes there is enough evidence for a conviction.
Authorities say Lesko engaged in a sex act with her nine times, beginning when she was nine years old.
According to the plea, Lesko said he was a victim in the case. He said the girl initiated the contact.
Bangor isn’t a County.
I did not grow a brain till I was 30. Took me a long time to respect police like I do now. Its things like this that make young people loose respect for law enforcement. Most are decent but the covering for your own makes the decent ones look bad.
Please cite the specific section of the law that Ross violated in “hindering apprehension or prosecution.”
diogenes came to maine and someone stole his lantern
Gee are we surprised? The “Good Ole Boy Club”…Once again!
This would not have happened if Bangor had a volunteer civilian police review board with subpoena powers.
Wow, way to speak any victims being hurt now, not just molestation, that will never speak up for fear whoever their abuser is may just have friends in law enforcement. Ross you are so lucky Carlson didn’t kill his victim that night because he could have to protect his own interest. You are wrong for telling him and have just sent a message to victims everywhere that it’s not safe to go to the police.
Yeah, they would’ve had an investigation and he would have been exonerated again! I guess they had the “investigation” so they could feel good about themselves. I do not think many people put much faith in their cronyism. Thank God Donny Smith has some ethics. Under whose authority do they act anyway? Is it just a feel good organization? As I have stated elsewhere in these pages. an independent investigation needs to convene. If they feel he acted in an ethical manner (Ross), then is may begin to remove the cloud of suspicion that the majority of those who have posted on this matter feel.
Do not elect this idiot again.
Give Glenn a break. He is a good person. I don’t understand why he didn’t say to Mr. Carlson “I am sorry I can’t let you in the jail and I can’t tell you why,” but he didn’t. If Carlson was willing to kill himself, he would have done so eventually so don’t blame Carlson’s suicide on Glenn. Carlson couldn’t face people learning the truth about him.
I don’t think Ross is a bad person at all. But he was very wrong to tell Carlson what the investigation was about. Suicide is often an impulsive decision so no can know for sure if Carlson would have succeed in suicide if this had been handled differently. The point it, Ross set the suicide in motion and deprived the alleged victim for a chance for justice.
I agree-Carlson’s cowardly decision was his alone. If the letter was
based in fact ( personally, I can’t imagine he would have committed
suicide if it weren’t) Carlson had spent many years investing a lot of
energy, time and effort into creating his “Rev Bob” persona while
leading a completely different life. Wouldn’t he have had more than one
moment over the years thinking about what would happen if the truth
became public? Maybe the bigger his name and personality grew in the
community he was not as worried about the scandal, but before then
wouldn’t he have been? Ross can not be blamed for causing the suicide,
but the moment he picked up the phone and dialed-after specifically
being asked not to–he has forever changed my faith in him as a law
enforcement officer. Ross has to own his choice, and consider how he
would judge what the consequence would have been to one of his own
deputies for the same choice.
Boo freaking hooo Mr. Smith. They told you to go you know where, how to do and which travel route to take. At least thier way of writting it sounds professional to the point and not like a crying group of “hear my roar” peope. I will give a celebrattion beep when I go by your place and have a cold one when I get home
“However, the MSA also values and enjoys the confidence of the citizens of Maine.”
I’m sure that Sheriff Ross acted in good faith but I believe that the confidence spoken of here; now has a few dents and tarnishes on it. Likewise Sheriff Smith backs up his beliefs with actions and may stand a little taller today in the eyes of the public.
Stand a little taller. He quit before the hearing was finished. He didn’t want anyone digging in his backyard
I’ll say it again; if it had been one of his Deputies who had tipped off a suspect in an investigation, the Deputy would be suspended, and rightly so. The Sheriff’s Association is closing ranks to protect Ross after he made an incredibly stupid mistake, for which he should face disciplinary action.
I still find it amusing that Smith’s entire soap box diva act was based on Ross telling Carlson that he was under investigation, and at the same time, in the same article, it was stated that Smith had been told that HE was under investigation as well. I don’t see Smith calling for the resignation of the person that told HIM about it.
Too funny. You just can’t make this stuff up.
anyone suprised about the findings? i’m not. whenever an organization investigates itself it’s going to happen. just another one of those “we better take it easy on this guy over this so that when it’s me/us he will return the favor
Having known Glen Ross for several years, I can tell you he is a man of truly unquestionable integrity. I believe Ross acted correctly and is blameless in the decision Carlson made to end his own sad excuse of a life.
we will see what the jury says when the Carlson family sues Ross in civil court
dream on
Ross had a First Amendment right to tell Carlson about the investigation. Such a lawsuit would fail in the summary judgment phase.
thanks for responding to my post ryan
I had a earlier post here where I recommended the family contact Professor Mike Avery at Suffolk Law School in Boston. Mike has authored the legal textbook for suing police.
I would be interested in videotaping the trial.
I don’t even know if Carlson has a family with standing.
Also see
San Fernando police chief put on leave in ticket-fixing probe
January 26, 2012
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/01/san-fernando-police-chief-ticket-fixing.html
what makes you think they would do that? I think there has been enough outted about Carlson..do you think they want to hear more? Or let the public know more? I doubt it~
I believe its within the realm of possibilities Ross and Carleson shared boys and he was covering up for himself. Donny may be right about more than he knows. He has some good points, interesting observations after-all, and he is obviously the only sheriff on the right side regarding “this” issue. Im going clammen try to get this out my hayed.
The rumors that I have been hearing, there isn’t 1 eagle scout sheriff in the state that did not know about the abuse.
Before the case? Are thier eagle scout sheriffs? If that Is true why if they not pit off scouts that Carlson is not all he seemed to be? Is it all about money? Now I am concerned if the rumors are true having a son in scouts.
Voters of Penobscot County….Ross is up for re-election this year. Vote this clown out. Lets get a sheriff with some integrity.
Like Richardson?????
God, no… There is a man of great character who I believe will be running this year. I will not out him until he officially announces his candidacy.
BWWWHAHA
Can anyone name the ethical code that Sheriff Ross was accused of breaking or can anyone name a law that he broke? Do I think he should of told Rev. Carlson? No, but thats my opinion.
I wonder how much time and effort is Sheriff Smith working on problems in Washington County. He seems awful busy worrying about other things.
How about tampering with an investigation. I think if a police man tipped of a friend they were going to make a drug raid he would be in a lot of trouble.
Maybe. It would depend on what was told and why it was told. From my understanding of the story is he notified Rev. Carlson that he was not allowed in the jail because he was subject of an investigation. Which to me seems pretty offical and on the up and up. To play devil’s advicate lets say he was warning his buddy like in your example. One would think that someone thats has done investigation, would warn their friend by means that could not be traced back to them. I think anyone that watches cop shows could come up with a few ways.
Thier is a fine line between what is legal . About 4 years ago my ex was going to marry a guy I suspected of dealing drugs I said I was going to hire a private investigator to watch this guy . About 2 hours latter 2 plain clothes detectives came knocking on my door threatening me with a year in jail for tampering with an investigation. I did not even know they were being investigated. I guess the law only applies to some people. If i had gone back to them and told them or hired an investigator I could have been facing criminal charges? Tip someone off they are being being watched and I think they will know what they did without going into details. Anyways they got busted a few weeks latter. It is JUST PLAIN WRONG. That is my opinion. I would never protect a child molestor even if it ment me going to jail .
There is a law each state writes it differently . But even in Maine it is the law.
I am not educated in law . I may not know the exact terms to use but sometimes laws still mean basically the same thing. Thanks
David, the law applies to everyone the same. From what you wrote I would guess the “threat” was a non polite way of say don’t screw up their case. I’m also guessing that you were not charged, more then likely because a crime was not commited. Now if Sheriff Ross commited a crime I think the AG would file charges against him, I just don’t think he violated the law (from what I read in the paper).
In a perfect world the law applies the same to everyone , This Is not a perfect world . Maybe the law dose but the enforcement of the law dose not. I could give you many examples like Ted Kennedy , Maybe the Ralf Greenleaf case last year ( Maybe the Grand jury made the right choice? I just bet money If Greenleaf was the one who lived and the one that he pushed died Greenleaf would In jail not dead . I could be wrong. Who pushed him????? seems like that would have been released At the very least or an arrest made that night. I will not second guess the grand jury ,but the sway of a few votes can be do to bias ALL PEOPLE HAVE.
There is no law called “tampering with an investigation.”
How about this, instead of dreaming up laws that don’t exist, why not actually cite the specific sections of a law that does exist that Ross violated, including how Ross violated those sections? That’s how the law works.
You may be right there might not be such a law . So why did the detectives tell me I could get a year in jail for a law that dose not exist???????????????????????????????????????????????????? It is hard to know the laws with out law school when police make them up and lie about them…………………………………………..
I did not DREAM IT UP. Just what I was told . And police wonder why people do not trust them when they lie so much.
I believe the law David was trying to site is Title 17-A section 753 subsection 1-B paragraph D. Which I don’t think applies in this case but seems to be the only one that comes close. The phrase tampering with an investigation is a wide used term because there are many different was to hinder an investigation. Kind of like everyone saying child molestation instead of gross sexual contact with a minor.
The problem is, there is no indication at all that Ross intended to hinder. Not only that Ross had no way of knowing whether the State Police were planning to apprehend Carlson or that the State Police were about to execute a search warrant. Without Ross being privy to such details, he could not be guilty. And even if he did know such details, he would only be guilty if he intended to interfere. There is nothing in the statute that prohibits merely passing along information.
Agreed, I don’t think Sheriff Ross commited a crime.
Exactly each state writes the law differently. However, it is still a crime even in Maine. Do you think if you heard on the scanner they were going to do a drug bust down the street and you called them and told them to flush it fast… you wouldn’t be charged? That falls under what’s good for the goose is good for the gander! If you’re drunk and driving and your buddy isn’t drunk and you crash the car, and you both get out before the cops get there and lie and say your buddy was driving. And you didn’t notice there was a surveilance camera on the building in front of the wreck… yea you’re going down for tampering with a police investigation and filing a false police report. I say again what is good for the goose is good for the gander. He committed the crime and as a cop he knows… you do the crim you better be willing to do the time.
I would like to speak to your examples.
The scanner one would be interesting to see how that worked out. I guess it would depend on whether the broadcast over a scanner would be public knowledge or not. Either way would be an interesting case.
The oui one would be unsworn falsification (title 17-a section 453) not tamering.
Can you give examples of how Sheriff Ross may have violated the law and not just example of violation of law.
Tampering with a police investigation. Just for starters!
Maybe someone should explain ethics to the MSA.
Why am I not surprised? I am sure victims of abuse will feel real safe coming forward now. I would think you would have to have some ethics in order to guilty of ethical misconduct. Sadly that seems to be lacking in the Sheriff’s Association.
wow, that is the good old boys club at it’s finest. That is NO difference than anyone giving someone a heads up if they are going to get busted for doing something illegal!!! The illegal activity stops until they are in the clear again. Obviously there are no worries that Carlson is going to molest other boys because he’s dead. I wonder how many heads up Ross has given to illegal activity in this state?????????
This is just another case of poor judgment in our legal system. Not long ago a judge released a murderer out on bail. How can we, as citizens, believe in any form of government anymore?
No big surprise, but still dissapointing. As others have mentioned Ross is very lucky that Carlson decided to take out just himself rather than his victim as well.
This tipping off of an “alleged” sexual predator, because he happened to be a friend, will be remembered by me at election time, and hopefully by others as well.
Well done, Donnie. You resigned that position and it was rightfully accepted and I’m sure the rest of the Sheriffs can finally get back to business. Now, please, finish the deed and resign your position and go work as a private detective for a defense lawyer!
well played
really?
Fox Anchor (And Son of NYC Police Commissioner) Greg Kelly Accused Of Rape
by Jon Nicosia | 12:20 am, January 26th, 2012
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/fox-anchor-greg-kelly-and-son-of-nyc-police-commissioner-accused-of-rape/
Guess the sandbox isn’t big enough for these sheriffs.
This might have well said, “Fox clears Fox in Hen House incident”
While all the ‘officials’ are circling their wagons, protecting those among them and their wrongdoings, who is providing support and supervision to the officers out there on patrol?
I do believe tampering with a police investigation is a crime punishable by up to a year in jail. I also believe tipping a person off they are being investigated is tampering……………
It is and it would be a felony because he is a cop. Which would cost him his job. Which is why the good ol’ boys let he off scott free!
what???? it is a felony cause he is a cop??? Wrong….
This just doesn’t sit right with me. The fact is his actions gave Carlson to take control of the situation and end his life. He tipped off the bad guy, and he should be held accountable.
I sure hope the MSP detective in charge of the Bob Carlson investigation is not tied up in this political game. Hopefully he doesn’t owe favors to those still protecting Bob or his ” buddies”. It would be an injustice to victim(s) if he is not doing a fair and thorough investigation of EVERY group Bob was associated with (scouts, church youth groups, etc).
I am shocked, shocked, shocked I say…………. nawwwwwwwwwwww actually it is just what I expected from the good ol’ boy country club.
yeah
Sheriff Ross is not responsible for Carlson’s suicide act. Carlson is! He knew the scriptures, read Luke 17 1-3 Jesus said to his disciples: Temptations to sin are sure to come but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.”things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. As his friend I can see why he wanted to tell him, but as the Sheriff of this county his duty was to PROTECT and SERVE the abused man FIRST….not Carlson. How can anyone justify that by him tipping Carlson off was not unethical….. REALLY… or is this just part of their good “ole boys” club……Carlson tipped off a deacon in his own church years ago that the DEA was investigating him for his marijuana crop and told to get rid of it by sun up! Ethical or Unethical, you be the judge!
I agree!
Well let’s see if you were best friends with the Sheriff and somone was stupid enough to accuse you of something you ( supposedly according to you ) didn’t do. Why would you jump off the bridge? You’ve got the cops in your back pocket! You’re such a pillar of the community they were going to have your funeral at Bangor Auditorium! I think there could only be one reason you could possibly still think Carlson is innocent. And I’m pretty sure everyone else can figure it out… if not a hint… two peas in a pod!
“professional integrity”!? Where has it gone?
What is this the wild, wild west??? I can’t believe that they are going to let Sheriff Ross away with this! If anyone else would have tipped him off they would have been charged with something like interfering with an investigation…..Crooked Cops!!
Thats what it means Donnie you are a good boy from Washington County. So if you investgate anyone just tell them ahead of time. So either they can jump or clean up there act.LOL
Happy to hear the results…it too bad others have to suffer because of Carlson..
When we received Sheriff Smith’s e-mail expressing his concerns, we did everything we felt we were duty-bound to do in terms of addressing his concerns,” Sounds like the verdict was in before the “investigation”. They did the minimum they could to look like they responded to the complaint. I truely believe that telling a suspect, and a friend, the details of an investigation against them is very wrong an a violation of his professional duties. Well, this is just an Association from dues paying members, I wonder if the AG’s office is doing their own investigation?
If it were me or someone else, not employed by the state and protected by the unions, we would face time, fines and loss of job!
Catch up man!
If anyone thinks Ross did this for any other reason but to warn his friend i’d love to hear why? a real logical reason….it was not to kep him from going into the jail it was the “buddy” system. ROSS needs to be fired.
I think you mean he needs to be voted out. He was elected.
We need to change this “buddy system” we need a law making it a felony to protect a pedifile. This is happening all over the country, adults are always turning the other cheek. It’s wrong. Kids need to be protected. When you protect a pedifile you’re just as sick and guilty as they are.
I’ll take my county’s Buford Pusser over your county’s Barney Fife. Maybe he is a bit of a loose cannon, but at least Donnie doesn’t go around telling self-righteous child molesters that they are under a secret investigation by the state police.
They protect their own. That is common sense.
I must say I’m not surprised by the outcome of this “investigation”. However, I am outraged that this panel was even allowed to do this investigation, but to criticize Sheriff Smith? I do believe that Sheriff Ross’s actions would have just been swept under the carpet, if he did nothing wrong why did we not hear about this from him. To inform someone that they are under investigation is questionable at best, but to inform them of the details of that investigation, so not right! Ok, so he had “an obligation to the prisoners at the jail”, he should never have told Carlson of the details of that investigation. So much for the “preservation of professional integrity”.
I guess besides being a member of the Maine Bar association, being a member of the Sheriff’s Association protects you from getting in trouble when ethical or legal issues come your way. Telling someone they are being investigated or not paying your taxes 6 years is really not a big deal. There seems to be a different standard for being politically connected or for those in public service than the average citizen. very sad…..
What happened to “Innocent until proven guilty”? Seriously; when we get the attitude that I see here find it very, very scarey. Is this what our country has turned into: A bunch of mean spirited, angry, venemous, cynical vipers?? A Christian country? BS!!
This is the type of atmosphere that fostered Hitler and the KKK; both who claimed to be doing the will of God.
The man said he was in law enforcement. Why would he not know what he is talking about? Just asking.
Is anyone really surprised by this?
You know, I don’t care what any kind of internal investigation finds. I think Glenn Ross was out of line, and quite frankly wrong. I mean, what was his intent? What did he stand to gain?
The one thing that sticks in my mind is that he likely was the cause of a suicide. I hope he can live with that one, regardless of what some internal investigation vindicates him of. I know even if I had to legally tell someone something like that, I would feel bad, and awful if just a couple of hours later the person took his life.
Donnie most of the time just loud, and he doesn’t think about what he is really saying. I have to agree with him on this one. What happened seems to show that the good old boy Sheriff’s Association will subject themselves to harsh criticism, just to defend one of their own.
Sheriff Ross, I hope you can forgive yourself.
Absolute power corupts absolutely.
The decision reached by the MSA is sad but should be NO surprise to anyone. The best that we can hope for now is that the next time any of it’s members are up for re-election or have their hands out at some fund raiser that the public remembers that they would rather protect one of their own than the citizens they are sworn to protect.
Agreed. That’s how you do it.
If the State Police comes after me I hope Glenn Ross will give me a call and a heads up so I can run away.
What prompted Ross to tell Carlson in the first place? Did his superior officer (if he has one) tell him to go inform Carlson he was being investigated for child rape and molestation? If Ross was following orders, who decided (at the top) to inform Carlson of the pending charges and why did someone think it necessary to informCarlson? Did Ross decide on his own (without input from anyone else) to tell Carlson what was coming?
Smith’s resignation and Ross being cleared so quickly (by his own) smacks of impropiety.
I’m sorry, tipping some off to an investigation about child molestation has to be considered an obstruction of justice. Instead of saving the State a lot of money by becoming a leaper, a tipped off Carlson, had time to hide his kiddy porn and other evidence before the police had time to gather any of that evidence. The issue here is about child molestation, the most vile and loathsome thing a man can do to a child. Imagine what those kids have to go through for the rest their lives so this pervert could get his sexual kicks. A question that has to be answered in this case, because the close relationship of a Sheriff to a pervert, is why the perverts behavior didn’t raise any red flags. Not that Ross isn’t innocent but considering the vile nature of Carlson’s acts it must be looked into.
did any one expect anything else? It just like having the AG investigate LEO use of deadly force incidents. They will always protect their own interests first, the public last.
So what did Smith’s dissatisfaction with Public Safety, MDEA and Corrections have to do with this issue except confirm the political nature of the Asso.’s decision? Again, protecting their own from criticism. It is a sham.
Last but not least, can Sheriff Ross add a few more stars on his collar, I’ve seen other Sheriff’s in Maine with 4, it is far more impressive then just two. I’m intimidated when I see a 2 Star Sheriff but when I see one of those 4 Star Types I’m really….really….really scared. Just thought I could give you some advise for the future to help bolster your position. I mean I’ve seen many Chiefs and Sheriff’s in Maine who have more ribbons, braids, and metal on their uniforms to sufficiently convince me they are trying out for a Steven Segul movie playing the role of the evil third world dictator!!!!! When you see those people walking down the hall you know you are walking by utter greatness….LOL Sheriff Ross you gotta ramp up your efforts.
Anyone else find ole Roscoe P Coltrane of Washington County facinating to watch?
Does anyone know what Carlson did while working for the Maine Dept. of Mental Retardation in Augusta? I have heard that he advocated for prisoners with mental illness, but I’m not sure.
And they wonder why the general public has lost faith in elected employee’s who hold positions of power… There was a great interview on the PULSE yesterday with Tim Richardson on the subject.. I guess if you ask a sherriff or past sheriff one on one you will find none think it was OK. Yet as a click nothing was wrong with it.
I haven’t listened to wvom ric and george show in quite a while, because I know they will never ask hard questions to anyone on this or any other subject.. To hear the interview yesterday with Tim Richardson on the Pulse was amazing.. Things you won’t hear or read on the Carson subject anywhere else.. They don’t hold back their questions and don’t make many friends on their show.. They may be politicaly Bias yet they speak more on the truth then you will find on other local talk shows…
Sorry I missed the show. Is there a link to read the recap of that interview?
http://www.zoneradio.com/pulse/index.html
Well lookee there. All the legal beagles on Disqus were wrong…………….
Whew! Three sheriffs cleared another sheriff of any wrong doing. That was close, whew!
If there was no ethical breach by Sheriff Ross in this instance then perhaps, in the future, if circumstances arise wherein a “friend” of his is going to be busted for growing marijuana in his basement, will be perfectly alright if he gives his “friend” a heads-up as well?
Sorry. The Sheriff may deserve high praise for his performance in the job to the day before he talked to Rev Carlson, but in this instance he clearly over-stepped and it resulted in a man’s death. I think the “committee” should be investigated for coming to this conclusion.
If Donnie Smith had been sheriff here in Penobscot Co. then there would have been no suicide and it is likely that Bob Carlson would have been held accountable for sexually preying on boys and young men many years ago. All law enforcement officials that had any type of oversight over Carlson including Sheriff Ross should resign immediately. The public has no confidence it your ability to protect the people under your charge. The oversight committee should also resign for covering up and sugar coating this terrible embarassment to your association and to the law enforcement agencies here in the County. Donnie Smith has been THE ONLY law enforcement officer speaking up!
Is Sheriff Ross at the Ron Paul event at the Brick Church this morning? Maybe then the BDN would have a headline about the visit today?
Did anyone really think that the outcome would be any different?, In law is above the law!.
This ruling definitely sets the standard…
Attention all Law Enforement Officials—it is okay to let you friends and family know that they are under inverstigation by any and all Law Enforcement Agencies. You will be protected since you have the case study to support you!
If your life-long friend is a school teacher and is under investigation for inappropriate touching of students…its okay to notify him of that so he is prepared when the detectives knock on his door 2 days later with a search warrant to search his home, computer, and ask him questions. He will have plenty of time to get rid of any and all evidence as well as get his story straight and stick to it. Nothing better than being prepared for whats coming.
If I were a Penobscot County Deputy and Sheriff Ross came to question me about the above scenario, I would laugh in his face. He has lost all credibility! I would simply tell Sheriff Ross this…”I was concerned for my family, my friend often visits my home and I was concerned for my kids safety so I felt it necessary to notify my friend of the investigation and tell him he wasnt welcome at my house until the investigation was complete”
For some reason I dont think Ross would be so understanding…
Carlson very well may have destroyed evidence as a result of Ross’s tip-off. I don’t see why this isn’t a criminal violation, never mind ethical.
it appears no one else can believe it either
This is hilarious, as I posted a few days ago, there wasn’t a blessed soul who thought the outcome of this investigation would do anything but exonerate Ross. Maine Citizens are easily swayed, hell I was even swayed to vote for Paul LePage, because of his touching upbringing on the mean streets of Lewiston. When I found out Paul had another family including other children from a previous marriage, I realized the guy was a fraud….he never even acknowledged his “other” children during the campaign, didn’t fit the “omg this guy had such a bad life, wow, so sad, and look at him now, what a success story, I love him” which centralized his campaign theme. I too can be stupid, I admit it…..lol. So I believe the majority of Maine Citizens will be overwhelmed by having three men of the law tell them that nothing unethical was done wrong. Well I first thought that Ross shouldn’t have called Carlson to give him a “heads up” on an ongoing criminal investigation in which Carlson was the suspect, but now that Clark, Dennison, and, Joyce have told me otherwise I have changed my mind. I have one request from the Maine Sheriff’s Association; can you sanction a set of bobble head dolls for each of the 16 sheriff’s cast in their likeness???? When I’m in need of advice on how to “buffalo” my friends and family I can reach into my collection of Maine Sheriff Bobble heads, grab Clark, Dennison, and Joyce, place them on my counter and ask for advice??? I might even make a shrine complete with model police cars with Clark, Dennison, and Joyce bobbeheads standing by each with candles going and everything…lol think of the money you could make Glen, Randy, and other members of the Board???? Great idea just give me 10% of the proceeds for the idea…..Mainers, feel free to laugh because in the end our State is going to hell in a hand basket, you might was well enjoy the ride!!!!!
“little queer screw up” : bigoted much?
Congratulations to the MSA for it’s wise decision. Sheriff Ross is an outstanding sheriff.
I wonder if the victim or the person who filed the complaint might have recourse in this instance. What about the rights of the victim or victims? I would think that the Sheriff’s interfering with a criminal investigation would at least be a civil rights / due process violation, something along the lines of “unequal and unfair treatment by law enforcement.”
Would it have been considered ethical for the Sheriff to tip off someone under investigation for pedophilia if it weren’t his friend or an employee of the jail? This makes no sense.
Um, the fox watching the henhouse??!!
I think any investigation of this type should have been done by an independent and impartial agency/person, it would have had a lot more credibility.
Good for you, Sheriff Smith! You are right – Ross was not. And what he did is criminal. I’m finding many of the associations and organizations here in Maine have severe ethics and investigative wrong-doings, including The Maine OLR and Anne Head. They want to stay in their comfort zone; they are not professionals and they are severely hurting others.
Sheriff Smith, “what does that mean”? Well sheriff it means you might think people care about what you think in your little corner of the state but the rest of state thinks your a joke! I wonder how many sheriffs tried to talk you out of resigning? I bet none.
A sheriff investigating a sheriff makes little sense and adds no credibility to this situation. If no one wants to pursue the ethical lapse by Ross, fine but rubber stamping it by his peers is just plain wrong.
It seems I missed wvom, Ric and George, PULSE yesterday, the interview with Tim Richardson.
Is there a link where we can listen or read the recap of that interview? Thanks.
I wonder how the problem child, man from Hermon or whatever he thinks he is feels right about now.
the MSA also values and enjoys the confidence of the citizens of Maine.
wonder what makes him think he has the confidence of the citizens? lots of comments dont support that view
In over 32 years of law enforcement career I have NEVER see such a miscarriage of authority by a serving sheriff informing a suspect that he was the subject of investigation. ABSURD is the only word that fits this situation. And then to have the Sheriff’s Association stand by it, unbelievable.
So, you’ve trusted a close friend for 3o plus years, and never had reason to doubt his background, or, intentions – then suddenly, the glass shatters.
It would be pretty darned hard to keep quiet and not say anything when you meet your friend again. More so, when he asks why you are blocking his entry into privileged or restricted quarters.
It is that kind of a spot not even the county’s top law enforcement officer expected he’d ever be facing. Can you imagine being in his shoes when Carlson dropped by? Here’s a man trusted throughout the state by municipalities, private entities, as well as a loyal following of fire department, police department and sheriff’s department personnel. Here’s a man on call to help, to counsel the troubled, the sick, and with a free rein to visit jail inmates and help with their problems. He’s a regular Joe. An on-call guy for everyone who needs help. He’s also your best friend.
Shock? For those who knew the man and respected him – thunderstruck. No matter how Sheriff Ross was affected, he acted swiftly upon hearing the reports and stopped Carlson from entering his jail. Can you imagine Carlson’s reaction? Sheriff Ross had to give him a reason. I know I would, and I bet anyone else in Sheriff’s Ross’s position, would have done so, too.
Not everything in life is a black and white issue. When it comes to a close friend, a man you and hundreds more have trusted for years, this was a situation that called upon Sheriff Ross to do something other than just flash his badge.
Everybody the sheriff puts in jail has a heartbreak story but this sheriff wasn’t offended by putting them in jail, he does it with great prejudice knowing that so many of these people have no idea of the reality of the law they are charged with; he has no empathy for the ignorant nor does the Sheriff’s Association. I heard Ron Paul today and he reminded me of the color of law followed by the Sheriff’s Association and their members. Liberty and justice for the powerful, not the commoner.
Barney Fife got off with a slap on the hand, ahh sorry I mean Glen Ross…
Apparently this type of behaviour is c0mmon and acceptable for the Sheriff’s Association. Except for Sheriff Smith, everybody else accepts the behaviour of Ross. This is a stark example of why we need a civilian review board to investigate such circumstances. I think the County Commissioners and the Bangor City Council members need to investigate this situation in the best interest of us all. We have two competent Baldacci’s in the lot, do something please…
Bob Carlson was a friend of mine, and a mentor when I attended Husson College. I know Sheriff Ross, and don’t have a clue who Smith is. Personally, I think if a person is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation of something that happened in the past. If they can be informed of the investigation without affecting the outcome, they should be informed of it. Telling Bob of the investigation could not have affecting the outcome of the investigation a whit.
Bob chose death over accepting responsibility for his actions. He bears the responsibility for the entire mess. I’m disappointed in him, and expected better of him. Sheriff Smith appears to have some kind of agenda, and frankly I think he likes to see his name in print and his picture in the paper. He likely has his eyes on some other office besides Sheriff ultimately.
I hope those involved in this situation intimately can deal appropriately with it and put it into its rightful place as a bad memory. Then go on and live productive and happy lives. Life is too short for the kind of negativity resulting from something like this to go on any longer than necessary.
Swept this one under the rug, now they can white wash something else.
Fact! Actions speak louder then words!!! NO accusations here.
this is total bull**** sherriff ross shouldn be sitting in one of his jail cells. If this were you or me where do you think we would be. I have no trust in these people, this is not right. If thier was ever a blatent case of the good ol boy’s club I don’t know what is. This should not stand. sherriff smith is so right.
If they wanted to show people how they really do things, I can think of nothing better. Glen Ross. GO AWAY. YOU HAVE LOST OUR TRUST.
I’d like to know how much of this has been going on and for how long. Maybe some good can come out of this. Let’s start an investigation on more of what the police cover up. I’ll bet you it would scare you.
honey777: I totally agree that Ross should have never told Carlson about the investigation. Whether he is responsible for his death, I question that. Once Carlson found out, through whatever legal charges might have been brought, or however else, I believe he would have then done the same thing. He could never have been able to deal with that disgrace. But I’m also very disappointed Ross was not held accountable for interfering with an ongoing investigation.
?? didn’t sheriff simply allow his friend time to deal with the pending situation??